ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN. AFP was first recognized as a fetal-specific globulin in 1956. It is synthesized in the yolk sac, gastrointestinal tract and liver of the fetus. Fetal plasma levels peak at 10 to 13 weeks' gestation and decline progressively until term, 7 while maternal levels peak in the third trimester.2 Laboratory measurements of AFP levels are reported as multiples of the median (MOM).etal plasma levels peak at 10 to 13 weeks' gestation and decline progressively until term, 7 while maternal levels peak in the third trimester. 2 Laboratory measurements of AFP levels are reported as multiples of the median (MOM).
Minority population growing in the United States, census estimates show. Minorities now make up about 35% of the country's population, and about 57% of the population in California. Meanwhile, the white population continues to decline.
The Spanish Speaking People in the U.S. in 2001. By 2010, the U.S. Latino population is estimated to reach 42 million, and will become the largest minority group in the U.S. By 2040, the U.S. Latino population will be 25% of the total population in the U.S. One in every four people in the U.S. will be Latino. Latinos in the U.S. represented $477 billion in purchasing power in 2002. Over 50% of U.S. residents who speak a second language, speak Spanish; and 89% of Latinos in the U.S. speak Spanish.